I’ve sat down to write this review three times. I never get past the first few sentences. I go back and forth about how I feel about this CD. Aslyn is a talented musician, no doubt about that. And, Polyphonic HMI has predicted she’ll be as big as Norah Jones, so I’ve felt like I should give it another listen. And, then I do and I think its okay, but I don’t really like it and I’m not sure why.
Lemon Love is catchy in that way only pop can be catchy. You find yourself singing along, “here’s a band-aid brand new for the bruises on your begging knees,” in spite of yourself. Just Enough has a bluesy feel that makes you sway. And, I can dig that.
If Britney grew up listening to Michael Jackson and Madonna, Aslyn grew up listening to Billie Holiday and Etta James. Her vocal style would be just as much at home in front of an orchestra as it says cascading over that pop racket. Although at times she sounds quite young, she has a strong voice and a good sense of style.
Ultimately, I’ve decided what I like and loathe about this CD is that it recalls stuff I remember listening to as a kid. Its got this light, bubble gum feeling like what dominated the late ‘80s. (Or, at least what dominates my memories of the late ‘80's.) Some of the arrangement and the tone of her voice reminds me of that one secular album Amy Grant put out and the piano intros drip like the sappy love songs Debbie Gibson sang, like in 493-1023. I half expect her to start singing about being lost in someone’s eyes.
Article comments
1 - visualsimplicity
I absolutely loved Aslyn's "That's When I Love You" from the How to Deal Soundtrack. I thought her voice was amazing. However, for some reason the samples I heard from her new album just didn't get to me and from your review, you sort of came away with the same feeling even after listening to the whole thing. Call me disappointed. I thought there was potential. Anyway, thanks for the review.
2 - Realmusic
I got Aslyn's record the first week it came out, Amazing!!! Best record of the year so far. I was curious what people were saying about it and I came across your review. naturally, after reading it, I had to listen from a different perspective. I tried very hard to hear a hint of debbie gibson or maybe amy grant. I didnt. but I did hear hints of stevie wonder (aint no love), Carol King (Just enough), the beatles (I'll be here). I even heard Jellyfish, Queen & Billy Joel influences. The structure of Alsyn's writing and the melodic phrasing is much more reminiscent of 70's pop than it is 80's pop. Then just when this review couldn't be any more confusing (or contradictory), you close by saying "...Its lyrically clever and musically competent" Huh?? -80s bubblegum pop was neither...
This is a great record from a very talented singer/songwriter. If you are into smart pop (Gavin Degraw, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones) You will love this record.
3 - Katharine Donelson
I apologize for being confusing and contradictory. I wanted to get across that I think she's talented, but that I didn't like the CD.
I agree that if you like Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, and Gavin DeGraw, this is probably a good choice. I still didn't like it.
4 - Lisa
If you want to get a real feel for Aslyn, see her in concert. I agree the CD doesn't capture her true self, but it is very clever and she is a very powerful singer/writer. I got to see Aslyn before I bought her cd. In fact I was going to see Ari Hest and had no clue who she was, but after her set, I was like "Ari who!?". she truly is an amazing performer. I can not wait to see her again, and if I was a wealthy women I would follow her around on her tour. There's more to Aslyn then this CD. Go see her!! Then tell us how you feel. =o)
5 - Nicodemous52
Well this album is the cd i have played the most sence i got it back when it came out.I think this is qa very intelligant album with real feeling. You can tell she reall cares about the music and not just selling records.
6 - squarewithroundcorners
This record is so moving to me. Pop? Yes....can't hide that, but Debbie Gibson? Did you even listen to it?? I certainly agree with "Realmusic", that I hear influences of the pop you find in Sheryl Crowe, drama you find in Queen, the Soul you find in Stevie Wonder, but I must say.....Aslyn has no doubt paved her own road! I heard her in concert in Atlanta, and haven't been able to listen to 493-1023 the same since. She just gets up there and plays her music...each song a different story. It is like she slings emotions all over the stage...stomping her pedal to beat out the love (or anger) however you perceive her. She is the next big thing--I can't wait to experience a show like that again!
7 - Ayesha
I am desperate to get the sound track of the Movie "how to deal". I want to play the song that when i love you at my wedding. Please help!